Lisbon Castle of Sao Jorge – Video, Photos, Planning Tips

Perched on top of a hill in the heart of the city the Lisbon Castle offers some of the best views around. Escape the city streets to explore the walls and relax while admiring the river. Below are a video, photos and info to plan your visit to the Castle of Sa Jorge Lisbon Portugal.

Information to plan your visit at the end of the article

Navigate back to the complete Travel Portugal Guide

Lisbon Castle of Sao Jorge - Video

Let's start with a short video showing you around the Lisbon Castle of Sao Jorge (a.k.a. Castelo de Sao Jorge or St George Castle ) and the views from there:

Views of Castle of Sao Jorge Lisbon Portugal

As it is located on a hilltop, you can see the Lisbon Castle from many places in Lisbon. Here are some o the best viewpoints:

Sao Jorge Castle from the Miradouro da Senhora de Monte

This viewpoint is quite high so you are almost at the same level as the castle. This photo was zoomed a little but it remains the closest viewpoint to admire the fort.

Lisbon Castle from the Santa Justa Lift Platform

From the city center, you can ride the old elevator called Santa Justa Lift and gain access to its viewing platform. This location is better to see the rooftops of the city but you still have a decent view of the Castle of Sa Jorge Lisbon Portugal.

Castle de Sao Jorge from the Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

One of the most famous viewpoint in Lisbon is Sao Pedro de Alcantara. I don't think it is the best one bu from there you have a side view of the castle and a good visibility on the giant staircase (that we will see from the top later in this article).

Castelo the Sao Jorge Facts

Here are some information about the Lisbon Castle Sao Jorge's History:

• Human presence on the hilltop has been dated back to the 6th century BC
• The first fortifications date back to the 2nd Century BC
• They it was extended by the Romans and the the Wisigoths and later the Moors
• A lot of what you see today is from the 20th century restoration
• The castle is roughly square in shape
• Today, you can only see ruins of the Royal Palace

It is one of the best things to do in Lisbon

Sao Jorge Castle - Main Square and Views

As you enter through the gate, you first discover the main square and what remains of the Royal Palace (spoiler alert: not much!). And you will quickly be attracted by the large esplanade with amazing views of Lisbon, the river and the bridge.

The Lisbon Castle definitively offers some of the best views of the city and there is so much space that everyone can enjoy it.

The Lisbon castle was built as a defensive fort and some old canons are still in place today:

Exploring the Lisbon Castle of Sao Jorge

The you can have fun entering the Lisbon fort itself. below is the map of the Castle of Sao Jorge Lisbon Portugal :

Within the walled complexed, this is the entry to the Lisbon Castle itself:

No displays of any kind, but many staircase everywhere to go and explore the different walls.

The Walls of the Lisbon Castle

The best part (except the esplanade views) of the Lisbon Castle of Sao Jorge is the exploration of the walls and towers. You get even more views of the city, including on the other side you don't see from the esplanade.

Below you can see the staircase I talked about in the first section. If you have vertigo it is quite impressive as it is very steep.

In the corners you can enter the the small roofed areas and get more views of the city.

The Lisbon Castle is one of my Top attractions in Portugal list

Want to see more of PORTUGAL?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Portugal Destination Guide.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Love sharing? Here is another pin for you: